38 PSI?? Holy cow!

[crazyjoe]

So, since the weather got cold I have been meaning to check my tire pressure for a while now. I assumed the dealer who prepped me the car put in the correct pressure a couple months ago, and I knew I would be a little low. So, when I went around the car with the pressure gauge, I wasn't surprised to find the tires at about 29lbs. I figured between normal pressure loss and the cold, 3 lbs (from a standard 32) would be about right.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the dirver's door to find out the tires are supposed to have 38 PSI of air in them! Holy crap I have never seen a car demand that much pressure from the tires.

However, I was noticing wear on the outside of the tire and the PT was handling like a boat (which I calked up to my lack of a rear sway bar). So now we'll see if life doesn't get better at 38 PSI.

[IRPT]

Never assume the dealer has done anything!

[macster]

quote:Originally posted by crazyjoe

So, since the weather got cold I have been meaning to check my tire pressure for a while now. I assumed the dealer who prepped me the car put in the correct pressure a couple months ago, and I knew I would be a little low. So, when I went around the car with the pressure gauge, I wasn't surprised to find the tires at about 29lbs. I figured between normal pressure loss and the cold, 3 lbs (from a standard 32) would be about right.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the dirver's door to find out the tires are supposed to have 38 PSI of air in them! Holy crap I have never seen a car demand that much pressure from the tires.

However, I was noticing wear on the outside of the tire and the PT was handling like a boat (which I calked up to my lack of a rear sway bar). So now we'll see if life doesn't get better at 38 PSI.

Chalk it up to not having a "FRONT and REAR" sway bar. Actually, if you want to save money the most bang for the buck comes from installing the front swaybar. The rear is icing on the cake.


BTW, I run 42 psi in my tires, Nitto 455 225/17.

macster

[crazyjoe]

Huh? I thought we had a front sway but not a rear?

[macster]

quote:Originally posted by crazyjoe

Huh? I thought we had a front sway but not a rear?

Take a look and see if it's there. Duoh! Maybe I should be clearer. When I replaced the front swaybar with the Eibach it turned it into a completely differnent machine. If you want to do this right, replace the front sway bar and install one on the back also. The car will handle like it's a completely different machine.


macster

[PTGT Redman]

We have a front. There's just no rear..mounting holes for it, but no rear. I put in a Eibach set and am pleased with the set up. Installed myself.
Makes a big difference.

[Mean Green]

quote:Originally posted by IRPT

Never assume the dealer has done anything!

My tires had 25 psi when I picked it up at the dealer. There was also rgular gas in it. [:0]

[SteelBlueGT]

I run with 42 psi fronts and 38 psi rears with no rear sway bar and tire wear is very good! I do rotate about every 6,000 miles. I think you will find the ride a little stiffer but with less understeer!

[hyracer]

I also run 41-42 lbs. front and 38 lbs. rear.

Deen

[Turbo Tommy]

We have a front, just no rear, despit the factory window sticker,that says we do.

The higher pressure will keep the sidewall from rolling over as much, making handleing a little better.

On my 89 caravan turbo, I had to replace the stock 205 70 15's, which had a lot of sidewall roll with 225 55 15 performance tires, with a stiffer sidewall design, and filled them to about 44 psi. Yes they fit, and only touch in one place inside the wheel well if I turn the wheel all the way, but only a very little. Anyway the van handles better than my moms stock focus ZX3 in the curves. It allso lowered it a little, which helped cneter of gravity.